America has one of the largest educational systems in the world. However, to enter the nation for studies, you need something called the Student Visa for the USA.
To attend an institution in the United States, you need a student permit. Even people belonging to nations in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will require a visa to enroll in courses including credits and degrees. For academic and language types of studies, you will require an F1 type, and for vocational and non-academic studies, you need an M1. The USA Student Visa is valid until the span of the course.
Get a US Student Visa
As per the M1/ F1 Visa conditions, to apply, you will require an I20 form. However, to get this you will have to apply to an institution that has a SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program). Upon approval, the school/college/university will register you in SEVIS. You will then have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fees, and upon finishing this, the institution will issue you with an I20 form. This is one of the most significant certificates you need for this and is also known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. Once you have this, you can continue to your application as follows -
Ensure that you have all the certificates needed for your visa
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Build an account on the US CEAC website (Consular Electronic Application Center).
The student visa form for the USA is the DS-160 form. Continue to fill this online. Make note of the barcode number.
Pay the fees for the application online. Note the receipt number.
Book your appointments. You will require to book two appointments. The first one for biometric submission at a VAC. The second one is for the interview at the US VIsa Embassy/Consulate.
Visit the VAC with your passport, DS-160 form, and appointment confirmation page. You will be subjected to a fingerprint scan, and your digital photo will be taken.
Visit the embassy/consulate for the interview along with the passport, stamped DS-160 page, and appointment confirmation page. Your USA Student Visa interview questions will revolve around your course of study, finance, as well as the return back to your original country amongst other questions, visa consultants do an important role in this visa process.
Apart from this, the interview is not needed for individuals who have had their F1/M1 visa expired in the past 12 months, and are applying for the same type. In certain cases, you may be needed to attend an interview or submit your biometrics.
Documents required for USA Student Visa
Along with the standard NIV certificates, the set of specific certificates needed for US student visa from India are as given below -
Original passport
2 identical photos
I20 and DS-160 forms
Visa fees receipt
Certificates proving educational qualifications, and current education -
Original transcripts, degree, diploma
Standardized test scores - TOEFL/IELTS/GRE/GMAT etc
Approval letter into the US institution
Evidence of sufficient funds - Bank Statements, Tax records for last 3 year, form I-134 and proof of relationship with the sponsor (if sponsored), proof of authorized loan ( If obtaining a loan to fund)
Evidence of return - to ensure that you will return to India after your study such as rental agreements, proof of bank accounts in India, an affidavit from your parents, etc.